The Wests Tigers are about to do it again.

Multiple reports indicate that the Wests Tigers are about to relieve Michael Maguire of his role as coach of the club.

The old 'fire the coach' quick fix.

The very same quick fix that has failed to propel the Tigers to the finals for a literal decade now.

Why the Tigers would remove a premiership-winning coach without an obvious replacement option standing above the rest is a question for another time but it did kick-off some thinking.

Who is the next cab off the ranks when it comes to the next NRL coach?

Craig Fitzgibbon has long been the assistant coach chased by multiple clubs and offered a full-time first grade coaching job.

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - MARCH 05: Craig Fitzgibbon and Jake Friend share a joke as they walk to a Sydney Roosters NRL training session at Kippax Lake on March 5, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Now that he has committed his future to the Sharks, who does it leave?

Below are five options I believe are ready to step either up, or back into, a first grade coaching gig. Potentially even the Tigers top job

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5. 5. Shane Flanagan

Controversy alert!

I am torn completely re the future of Shane Flanagan. I dare say that NRL clubs must have the same feeling or else he'd be linked to every role.

In terms of coaching abilities, Flanagan is the best on this list. He delivered a premiership to the Sharks. The Sharks!

His past, although full of coaching success, is also full of controversy. I'm not sure NRL clubs are willing to take that risk, and negative attention, unless forced.

The Tigers should absolutely be looking at Flanagan. They're in a dire position and Flanagan is not afraid to take risks or make tough decisions.

I'm not sure Flanagan's days as a coach are done just yet however I can't see a side other than the Tigers (or possibly the Dogs) who are in a position to take the risk.

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